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Medicine May 2024Benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) represent a prevalent clinical challenge globally, with various ultrasound-guided ablation techniques developed for their management.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) represent a prevalent clinical challenge globally, with various ultrasound-guided ablation techniques developed for their management. Despite the availability of these methods, a comprehensive evaluation to identify the most effective technique remains absent. This study endeavors to bridge this knowledge gap through a network meta-analysis (NMA), aiming to enhance the understanding of the comparative effectiveness of different ultrasound-guided ablation methods in treating BTNs.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Ovid, SCOPUS, and ProQuest for studies involving 16 ablation methods, control groups, and head-to-head trials. NMA was utilized to evaluate methods based on the percentage change in nodule volume, symptom score, and cosmetic score. This study is registered in INPLASY (registration number 202260061).
RESULTS
Among 35 eligible studies involving 5655 patients, NMA indicated that RFA2 (radiofrequency ablation, 2 sessions) exhibited the best outcomes at 6 months for percentage change in BTN volume (SUCRA value 74.6), closely followed by RFA (SUCRA value 73.7). At 12 months, RFA was identified as the most effective (SUCRA value 81.3). Subgroup analysis showed RFA2 as the most effective for solid nodule volume reduction at 6 months (SUCRA value 75.6), and polidocanol ablation for cystic nodules (SUCRA value 66.5).
CONCLUSION
Various ablation methods are effective in treating BTNs, with RFA showing notable advantages. RFA with 2 sessions is particularly optimal for solid BTNs, while polidocanol ablation stands out for cystic nodules.
Topics: Humans; Thyroid Nodule; Network Meta-Analysis; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Radiofrequency Ablation; Treatment Outcome; Ablation Techniques
PubMed: 38701262
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038014 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Apr 2024We compared the effectiveness and safety of polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam ablation vs endovenous thermal ablation with radiofrequency or laser energy for treatment... (Review)
Review
Comparative effectiveness of non-compounded polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam (Varithena) ablation versus endovenous thermal ablation utilizing a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
We compared the effectiveness and safety of polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam ablation vs endovenous thermal ablation with radiofrequency or laser energy for treatment of venous insufficiency caused by lower extremity truncal vein incompetence via network meta-analysis of published comparative evidence.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review following best practices, including a prospective protocol. We screened studies published in English from 2000 to 2023 for randomized and nonrandomized studies reporting direct or indirect comparisons between polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam and endovenous thermal ablation. Thirteen studies met our eligibility criteria for the network meta-analysis. The co-primary effectiveness outcomes were the closure rate ≥3 months after procedure and the average change in the Venous Clinical Severity Score. For the subgroup of venous ulcer patients, the ulcer healing rate was the primary effectiveness outcome. The secondary outcomes included safety and patient-reported outcomes. Network meta-analyses were conducted on outcomes having sufficient data. Categorical outcomes were summarized using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity tests and estimates of network inconsistency were used to investigate the robustness of our meta-analysis.
RESULTS
We found that polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam was not significantly different statistically from endovenous thermal ablation for venous closure (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.36-1.18; P = .16). Although not the primary aim of the study, the network meta-analysis also provided evidence to confirm our supposition that polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam was significantly differentiated statistically from physician-compounded foam, with higher odds for vein closure (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.58-5.37; P < .01). A sensitivity analysis using the longest available time point for closure in each study, with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up (median, 48 months; range, 12-72 months), showed results similar to those of the main analysis. No association was found between the risk of deep vein thrombosis and the treatment received. The available data were insufficient for a network meta-analysis of Venous Clinical Severity Score improvement and ulcer healing rates.
CONCLUSIONS
Polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam was not significantly different statistically from endovenous thermal ablation for venous closure and deep vein thrombosis risk for chronic venous insufficiency treatment, based on a network meta-analysis of published evidence. Polidocanol 1% endovenous microfoam was significantly differentiated statistically from physician-compounded foam, with higher odds of vein closure. A sensitivity analysis found venous closure findings were robust at follow-up intervals of 12 months or greater and for up to 6 years. New evidence meeting the inclusion criteria for this review will be incorporated at regular intervals into a living network meta-analysis.
PubMed: 38679141
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2024.101896 -
Vascular Feb 2024Long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser can damage vessels with higher diameters and penetrate to a deeper level than other laser therapies. We aim to analyze outcomes of the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser can damage vessels with higher diameters and penetrate to a deeper level than other laser therapies. We aim to analyze outcomes of the treatment of leg veins with long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser regarding intervention protocol, technical success, clinical success, and side effects.
METHODS
A research of the published literature was conducted, using PubMed and Embase databases, in April 2022. The key words used were telangiectasia, reticular veins, neodymium YAG laser, clearance, satisfaction, and treatment. PRISMA guidelines were followed.
RESULTS
We included twenty-six articles, twenty-three prospective and three retrospective studies, with a total of 1991 patients. The articles were organized in different sections according to the control group. The four outcomes were analyzed in each section. These studies showed that the long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is a safe and very good option for the treatment of leg veins measuring up to 3 mm in diameter. Studies comparing long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser therapy and sclerotherapy showed similar clearance rates with no significant differences. However, sclerotherapy seemed to be less painful and to have faster clinical improvements. In two articles, Nd:YAG laser had better outcomes in the treatment of smaller vessels with less than 1 mm in diameter, than sclerotherapy alone. Treatment with polidocanol microfoam and Nd:YAG laser had better clearance rates than Nd:YAG laser alone in three studies. In the comparison of 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser therapy with other lasers and light sources, the studies had contradictory results.
CONCLUSION
Long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is a valid therapeutic option for leg telangiectasia and reticular veins with great aesthetic outcomes and minor side effects. Nd:YAG laser therapy could be combined with sclerotherapy or other laser therapies or IPL in order to achieve better results. Serious side effects are rare, but the procedure is almost always accompanied by moderate tolerable pain.
PubMed: 38413049
DOI: 10.1177/17085381241236587 -
Techniques in Coloproctology Jan 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy methods for hemorrhoidal disease (HD) over the past 40 years. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy methods for hemorrhoidal disease (HD) over the past 40 years.
METHODS
The review followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, including studies reporting the use of sclerotherapy in patients with HD. Study eligibility criteria were defined, and data were extracted independently by the authors. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to assess outcomes of interest.
RESULTS
Out of 1965 records identified, 44 studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 9729 patients. The majority of studies were conducted in Japan, followed by the UK, Italy, and Portugal. The median age of participants was 52 years, and the majority were male. The Goligher grade distribution indicated varying degrees of HD severity. Sclerotherapy was predominantly administered through anoscopy, with polidocanol being the most commonly used agent. The procedure was generally performed without pre-injection analgesia. The meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed that sclerotherapy was not inferior to control interventions in terms of success rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.00, 95% CI 0.71-1.41) and recurrence rate (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.69-1.77), while resulting in fewer complications (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23-0.92).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review highlights the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy for HD, which yields similar success rates and fewer complications compared to other conservative or surgical approaches. Further research is warranted to optimize sclerotherapy techniques and evaluate long-term outcomes.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023396910.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Sclerotherapy; Hemorrhoids; Italy; Odds Ratio; Polidocanol
PubMed: 38261136
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-023-02908-w -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Nov 2023Percutaneous treatment for primary aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) has been widely accepted. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various sclerotherapy agents on... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous treatment for primary aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) has been widely accepted. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various sclerotherapy agents on patients with primary ABCs.
METHODS
A meta-analysis of relevant studies. A systematic search was conducted on five databases, resulting in the inclusion of 25 studies with different percutaneous agents.
RESULTS
A total of 729 patients with primary ABCs were included. Patients were administered with Ethibloc, doxycycline, embolization, alcohol, polidocanol, and calcitonin with methylprednisolone, respectively. Overall, 542 (74.3%) patients with ABCs had complete healing, 120 (16.4%) had partial healing, 44 (6%) had no-ossification or failure, and 26 (3.5%) had a recurrence. However, there was a total of 45 (6.1%) patients who had surgical curettage after sclerotherapy. Among the sclerotherapy agents, doxycycline showed highly effective results with minimal complications and recurrence, but it required multiple injections per patient. Ethibloc and embolization also proved to be highly effective with fewer injections required but had a higher rate of complications. Absolute alcohol, polidocanol, and calcitonin with methylprednisolone had similar efficacity and favorable success with fewer complications and fewer injections.
CONCLUSION
Percutaneous treatment showed promising results in treating primary ABCs. However, more robust research is needed to establish the best approach for sclerotherapy in clinical practice and to address the limitations of the current literature.
PubMed: 38068264
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12237213 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Oct 2023To assess the safety and efficacy of available interventions in the treatment of lower limb reticular veins and telangiectasias. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety and efficacy of available interventions in the treatment of lower limb reticular veins and telangiectasias.
DATA SOURCES
An electronic search was performed on Scopus, Embase, and Google scholar.
REVIEW METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Following data extraction and processing, a Bayesian network meta-analysis and meta-regression was undertaken. The primary endpoint was telangiectasia and reticular vein clearance.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies, 16 randomised controlled trials and three prospective case series, including 1 356 patients and 2 051 procedures, were finally incorporated. All interventions, apart from 0.5% sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) and 0.25% STS displayed statistically significantly superior telangiectasia and reticular vein clearance compared with normal saline (N/S), Meta-regression analysis employing the type of the venule treated (telangiectasia or reticular vein) as a covariable, revealed a positive correlation between Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser and telangiectasia clearance (β = 1.38, 95% CI 0.56 - 2.14). Further exploration unveiled the superiority of Nd:YAG 1064 nm in the treatment of telangiectasias compared with all included interventions except 72% chromated glycerin (CG). STS 0.25% increased the risk of hyperpigmentation compared with all interventions except 0.5% STS, and 1% polidocanol. CG 72% decreased the risk of matting compared with polidocanol foam (risk ratio [RR] 0.14, 95% CI 0.02 - 0.80) and STS (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.07 - 0.92). Non-statistically significant differences were identified between interventions regarding pain outcomes.
CONCLUSION
This network meta-analysis has demonstrated a proportional relationship between sclerosant potency and side effect occurrence in the treatment of telangiectasias and reticular veins and the superiority of laser therapy compared with injection sclerotherapy in treating telangiectasias. The transition of telangiectasia and reticular vein treatment from highly potent detergent solutions to equally effective but milder sclerosants could potentially reduce undesirable adverse events.
PubMed: 37209995
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2023.05.029 -
International Journal of Colorectal... May 2023Symptomatic internal hemorrhoids affect up to 40% of people in Western society. Patients with grade I-III hemorrhoids, who fail lifestyle and medical management, may... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Symptomatic internal hemorrhoids affect up to 40% of people in Western society. Patients with grade I-III hemorrhoids, who fail lifestyle and medical management, may benefit from office-based procedures. As per the American Society of Colon and Rectum Surgeons (ASCRS), rubber band ligation (RBL) is the first-line office-based treatment. Polidocanol sclerotherapy is a relatively new approach for these patients. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the efficacy of RBL and polidocanol sclerotherapy with the treatment of symptomatic grade I-III internal hemorrhoids.
METHODS
The systematic review was completed by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases from inception to August 2022 for prospective studies comparing RBL and polidocanol sclerotherapy or evaluating the efficacy of polidocanol sclerotherapy alone for adult (> 18 years) patients with grade I-III internal hemorrhoids. Treatments were evaluated for therapeutic success and post-procedure morbidity.
RESULTS
Of 155 citations obtained, 10 studies (3 comparative and 7 single-arm studies) and 4 abstracts (2 comparative and 2 single arm) were included in the study. The patients undergoing sclerotherapy had a 93% (151/163) therapeutic success rate compared to 75% (68/91) in the RBL group (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.48-7.74, p < 0.01). The post-procedure morbidity was 8% (17/200) in the sclerotherapy group and 18% (23/128) in the RBL group (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.15-1.82, p = 0.31).
CONCLUSION
This study highlights that polidocanol sclerotherapy may be associated with higher therapeutic success in patients with symptomatic grade I-III internal hemorrhoids. Further evaluations in the form of randomized trials are required to evaluate patient populations, which may benefit more from sclerotherapy.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Sclerotherapy; Polidocanol; Hemorrhoids; Prospective Studies; Ligation; Disease Management; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37133577
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-023-04394-w -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Mar 2023The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to introduce the relatively novel method of ultrasound-guided local lauromacrogol injection (USG-LLI) followed by... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparison of clinical safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided local lauromacrogol injection versus uterine artery embolization in the treatment of caesarean scar pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to introduce the relatively novel method of ultrasound-guided local lauromacrogol injection (USG-LLI) followed by dilatation and curettage for caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and to investigate the clinical safety and efficacy between uterine artery embolization (UAE) and USG-LLI in the treatment of CSP.
METHODS
The relevant literature and articles about USG-LLI, UAE and CSP published in eight electronic databases were searched to extract the primary outcomes for the selected articles. Review Manager Software(RevMan) V.5.2 was used for quantitative data synthesis and data analysis. Forest plots, sensitivity analysis and bias analysis were also performed on the included articles.
RESULTS
Of 10 studies included in our search, 623 patients were in the USG-LLI group and 627 patients were in the UAE groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of success rate, blood loss and time to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) normalization. However, USG-LLI group patients than UAE group patients had a shorter duration of hospital stay (mean difference [MD] = -1.97; 95% confidence intervals [CI] -2.63 to -1.31; P < 0.05; I = 95%), shorter restored menses (MD = -4.84; 95%CI -5.78 to -3.90; P < 0.05; I = 95%), and lower complication rates [odds ratio(OR) = 0.21; 95%CI:0.15 to 0.30; P < 0.05]; and cheaper on expenses of hospitalization (MD = -8028.29; 95%CI -10,311.18 to -5745.40; P < 0.05; I = 100%).
CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrate that USG-LLI is comparable in curative effect and success rates with UAE in the therapy of CSP, but patients in the USG-LLI group seem to have fewer complications rates, shorter duration of hospital stays and lower costs.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Polidocanol; Cicatrix; Uterine Artery Embolization; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Cesarean Section
PubMed: 36882695
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05455-2 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Feb 2023Skin hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy with polidocanol-containing sclerosants is a common local side effect. Sclerotherapists should be familiar with factors that... (Review)
Review
Skin hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy with polidocanol-containing sclerosants is a common local side effect. Sclerotherapists should be familiar with factors that trigger hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy with polidocanol-containing sclerosants. A systematic literature review of works reporting hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy for telangiectasias, reticular veins, side branches and truncal varices with polidocanol-containing sclerosants was performed. Reported incidence rates, follow-up periods and potentially triggering factors were assessed and analysed. The search yielded 1687 results; of these, 27 reports met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of hyperpigmentation seemed to increase with higher concentrations of polidocanol and was more evident after sclerotherapy for epifascial veins than for intrafascial truncal veins when the polidocanol concentration was more than 0.25%. Regarding sclerotherapy for telangiectasias and reticular veins, the incidence of hyperpigmentation ranged between 2% and 25% for polidocanol 0.25% (liquid and foam), between 12.5% and 67.9% for polidocanol 0.5% (liquid and foam) and between 13% and 73% for polidocanol 1% (liquid and foam). Regarding truncal veins, the incidence ranged from 7% to 45.8% for polidocanol 1% (liquid and foam), from 16% to 17% for polidocanol 2% (foam) and from 7.4% to 32.5% for polidocanol 3% (liquid and foam). Regarding the treatment of side branches, the incidence of hyperpigmentation ranged from 5.6% to 53% for both foam and liquid sclerotherapy. Regarding the duration of hyperpigmentation, there are few data describing reticular veins and telangiectasias. Hyperpigmentation persisting for more than 6 months has been reported to have an incidence of up to 7.5%. Hyperpigmentation persisting for more than 1 year after foam polidocanol 1%-3% treatment for truncal veins has an incidence ranging from 8.1% to 17.5%. Other factors such as higher volumes and compression therapy after treatment seem to have a minor influence. Data regarding hyperpigmentation after polidocanol-related sclerotherapy are poor and should be improved by higher-quality research.
Topics: Humans; Polidocanol; Sclerotherapy; Sclerosing Solutions; Varicose Veins; Polyethylene Glycols; Telangiectasis; Hyperpigmentation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36196455
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18639 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Jan 2023Sclerotherapy for venous malformation has been widely used; however, no guidelines are available to assess the effectiveness of different sclerotherapy agents. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Sclerotherapy for venous malformation has been widely used; however, no guidelines are available to assess the effectiveness of different sclerotherapy agents. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of sclerotherapy agents for venous malformations.
METHODS
Three electronic databases were searched from their inception (1950) to April 29, 2021. Studies comparing the effectiveness of different sclerotherapy agents were included. The risk of bias within and across studies was assessed. Pairwise meta-analyses were conducted, followed by a network meta-analysis. We also assessed inconsistency and publishing bias using various approaches.
RESULTS
Seven studies with 547 patients in six arms were included in the present study. We defined the response and complete response as two separate outcomes. Significant differences were observed in four comparisons with respect to the response (ethanol vs bleomycin, ethanol vs polidocanol, ethanol vs sodium tetradecyl sulfate, polidocanol vs sodium tetradecyl sulfate). No statistically significant differences were found in the other comparisons. The evidence network revealed that for the response outcome, ethanol ranked first, followed by pingyangmycin, polidocanol, sodium morrhuate, bleomycin, and, finally, sodium tetradecyl sulfate. For the complete response outcome, pingyangmycin had the best results, followed by sodium morrhuate, polidocanol, ethanol, bleomycin, and, finally, sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Major complications, such as facial nerve palsy, serious local swelling, and necrosis, had occurred mostly in the ethanol group and rarely in the other groups. Because of the limited data, no further analysis of major complications was conducted. Our confidence in the comparisons and rankings was low. We found no verified inconsistency or publishing bias in the present study using the existing approaches.
CONCLUSIONS
Ethanol showed a significantly better response statistically compared with the other agents. However, ethanol had also resulted in the highest incidence of complications. Pingyangmycin showed the second-best response, best complete response, and a low rate of complications, respectively. Overall, pingyangmycin achieved excellent performance and balance in terms of the different outcomes. However, they could not be adequately recommended from the available data. More superior trials, especially randomized controlled trials, are needed in the future.
Topics: Humans; Sclerotherapy; Polidocanol; Sclerosing Solutions; Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate; Sodium Morrhuate; Network Meta-Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Malformations; Bleomycin; Ethanol
PubMed: 36179784
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2022.08.004